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What is Antimicrobial Resistance?

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) happens when microorganisms (such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites) change when they are exposed to antimicrobial drugs (such as antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals, antimalarials, and anthelmintics). Microorganisms that develop antimicrobial resistance are sometimes referred to as “superbugs”.

As a result, the medicines become ineffective and infections persist in the body, increasing the risk of spread to others.

Key Facts- WHO

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) threatens the effective prevention and treatment of an ever-increasing range of infections caused by bacteria, parasites, viruses and fungi.

AMR is an increasingly serious threat to global public health that requires action across all government sectors and society.

Without effective antibiotics, the success of major surgery and cancer chemotherapy would be compromised.

The cost of health care for patients with resistant infections is higher than care for patients with non-resistant infections due to longer duration of illness, additional tests and use of more expensive drugs.

Globally, 480 000 people develop multi-drug resistant TB each year, and drug resistance is starting to complicate the fight against HIV and malaria, as well.

Data from 77 countries show that antibiotic resistance is making gonorrhea – a common sexually-transmitted-infection-much harder, and sometimes impossible, to treat. WHO reports widespread resistance to older and cheaper antibiotic … More Antibiotic-resistant gonorrhea on the rise

A cholera outbreak in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, has prompted the health authorities to withdraw all medical licences issued to food handlers countrywide. About 336 cholera cases have been treated in Nairobi since May this year. The Conversation Africa’s Health and Medicine Editor Joy Wanja Muraya spoke to Sam Kariuki … More Kenya’s cholera outbreak highlights fears about antibiotic resistance

Prof. Sam Kariuki - KEMRI

Antibiotics Abuse

Alarm over microbials resistance, Dr Kiiru-KEMRI on Kenya Television Network (KTN) discussing on the same Watch.

Era of the super bug, beginning of the end

If you have a virus such as common cold or flu, you feel bad.
The next thing you do is walk into a pharmacy and ask for antibiotics, because you, like your neighbour, believe they can fix everything. Read More.

What can you do about Antibiotic Resistance?

To keep antibiotics effective for as long as possible we must use them wisely: not too often and in the correct way. Read More.